MASP - Rules

Mid-Atlantic Star Party

A private gathering of self-governing people,
public not invited.

Rules

This page was updated 1 August 2009.

MASP is located two miles East of Robbins. To continue holding MASP at this site in the future we must be considerate guests. Please return your area to its original condition prior to leaving the event.

MASP rules:

Trash. Please do not throw any trash on the ground. Trash containers are provided for convenience and a dumpster is provided for bagged and sealed trash. NC requires recycling of aluminum drink cans. Separate containers are provided for aluminum cans, please use them.

Fires. No fire is permitted inside any tent on site. No ground fires. Dispose of charcoal ashes in sealed bags or in designated ash disposal container.

Smoking. No cigarette butts thrown on ground. Be considerate of non-smokers.

No alcohol or illegal drugs. No consumption of alcohol or disposal of alcohol containers on site.

Pets. Pets are not permitted to roam. Pet owners are responsible to see that their pet(s) do not disturb other attendees. Pets must be confined to their owners camping area. Pets are not permitted on the observing field or in MASP facilities. Owners must clean up after their pets promptly. The owner of any pet causing a disturbance will be required to remove the pet from the event.

As a MASP attendee you are a responsible part of our temporary community. Please help others understand and observe good star party etiquette as well as these rules. If you do not understand a rule or simply need help complying, please ask other attendees for help.

Lights. Red lights only after sunset. Red lights only are permitted on and around the observing field after sunset. This is to help preserve night vision of the other attendees. If you do not know how to cover with red filter material or how to disconnect the interior, trunk and door lights of your vehicle please ask for help.

Traffic. If you must drive away at night, you must park in the separate parking field so you can depart without your lights blinding the remaining observers.

Setup/Observing Areas. Setup is on a first come, first served basis. The observing field is split into two areas, a Scopes Only area and Open Observing area. As the name suggests, the Scopes Only area is for telescopes setup without support vehicles, tents, campers, etc. If you have a support tent, camper, sleeping tent, car, etc which you must have near your equipment please setup in the Open Observing area.

Electricity/Usage. Electricity is shared. The priorities are MASP program, food service, telescopes (and scope battery charging) then campers. There are three 120 volt duplex receptacles fed from each 20 amp gfci circuit breaker. No high amperage devices should be attached to the circuits, including hair dryers, coffee makers, and other convenience appliances. Those using laptops & other computers should bring a backup power source like a deep cycle battery & inverter so as to not over burden the electrical system.

Generators. Generators are prohibited. Eliminating generator noise and exhaust is the primary reason RV sites are made available.

Water. Water is shared. There is plenty of water, however there are four pairs of faucets bordering the MASP field for attendees filling water containers. Hose connections to campers are provided for attendees in RV hookup spots only.

Attendees who insist on violating the rules will be required to leave the event.